Environmental Determinism

Definition

Environmental determinism is the theory that the physical environment, particularly the climate and geography, shapes human behavior and cultural development. This idea suggests that people's lives and societies are heavily influenced by their surroundings, leading to distinct ways of living and thinking based on different environments. In the context of naturalism in theatre, this concept underscores how characters are often portrayed as products of their environment, emphasizing realism in human experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Environmental determinism played a significant role in shaping the themes of August Strindberg's works, as he often explored how characters were affected by their surroundings.
2. Strindberg’s naturalistic approach utilized environmental determinism to showcase struggles between individuals and their harsh environments, mirroring social realities.
3. The concept challenges the idea of free will by suggesting that individuals' choices are constrained by external factors like geography and social conditions.
4. Critics of environmental determinism argue that it oversimplifies complex human behaviors and ignores personal agency in shaping one's life.
5. Strindberg's 'Miss Julie' exemplifies environmental determinism by illustrating how social class and physical setting dictate character interactions and outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does environmental determinism inform the characterization in Strindberg's plays?
  • Environmental determinism informs Strindberg's characterization by illustrating how characters are shaped by their physical and social environments. In plays like 'Miss Julie', characters' actions and fates are heavily influenced by their social class and the oppressive nature of their surroundings. This focus on the interplay between individuals and their environments emphasizes naturalistic elements, showcasing the struggle against societal constraints.
• Discuss the implications of environmental determinism on the themes presented in Strindberg's work.
  • The implications of environmental determinism on Strindberg's work reveal a deep exploration of how external factors shape personal identities and relationships. By portraying characters who are trapped by their social circumstances and environments, Strindberg critiques societal structures while emphasizing the powerlessness individuals feel against these forces. This thematic focus enhances the naturalistic approach, where human behavior is depicted as a product of environmental influences.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental determinism on the development of naturalistic theatre during Strindberg's time.
  • The impact of environmental determinism on the development of naturalistic theatre during Strindberg's time was significant, as it reinforced the notion that art should reflect reality through realistic portrayals of life influenced by surroundings. Naturalistic playwrights utilized this concept to explore complex human behaviors rooted in social contexts, allowing audiences to understand the struggles faced by individuals. This approach not only shaped character development but also urged society to reflect on its moral responsibilities toward individuals affected by systemic forces.

Related terms

Naturalism: A theatrical movement that seeks to represent life accurately, focusing on everyday events and characters shaped by their environment and heredity.

Realism: An artistic movement that aims to depict subjects as they are in everyday life, often addressing social issues and the influence of the environment on characters.

Determinism: The philosophical doctrine that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes, highlighting the influence of environment and biology.